Dental implants help patients who are missing teeth and do not feel as confident with their smile or they have trouble functioning without them. They may be an option for those who wish to increase their confidence or do not wish to commit to dentures.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots usually made from metal or biocompatible material, such as titanium or ceramic. These biocompatible materials make it easier for the material to fuse to the jawline as it heals since they are materials usually found within the body. This way, the body does not think of the implant as a foreign object and reject it.
The result is a replacement tooth that provides a stable foundation for further dental procedures, such as a crown, bridge, or dentures.
Dental Implants as a Procedure
There are typically three stages to preparing for dental implants:
- Comprehensive Dental Exams. To prepare for the procedure, we must first prepare dental X-rays, 3D images, and models of the patient’s teeth and jaw.
- Medical History Review. We must also review the patient’s medical history to be aware of possible complications since dental implants are a surgical procedure. We must be aware of any medical conditions and any prescribed or over-the-counter medications or supplements. Antibiotics may also be provided before surgery to prevent infection, so we need to be aware of any heart conditions or orthopedic implants.
- Treatment. Finally, we will review a customized treatment plan for the patient since each case is unique, and consider the number of teeth lost, the state of the teeth remaining, and the jawbone.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
There are several benefits to dental implants and why we may recommend them to a patient. Listed below are the benefits:
1. More Secure Than Bridges and Dentures
Dental implants offer more secure tooth placement than other forms of tooth-replacement practices like bridges and dentures. They tend to be more secure since they mimic a patient’s natural tooth structure which allows the patient to feel confident and secure in the smile they have. They are also more secure since the implant directly connects to the patient’s jawline.
2. Stimulate Bone Tissue
Dental implants are also different from bridges and dentures as they can help strengthen a patient’s jawbone. When a patient is missing a tooth, the tissue where the tooth used to be begins to weaken and the bone tissue deteriorates from the lack of stimulation. They stimulate and strengthen the tissue, preventing the jawbone from deteriorating.
3. Protects From Bone Loss
Similar to dental implants stimulating bone tissue to keep the jaw healthy, they also prevent bone loss. This prevention of bone loss helps keep the patient’s mouth healthier and retains the shape of their face.
Candidacy for Dental Implants
For patients to be eligible for dental implants, they need to have the following:
- Healthy gums: Patients can still receive them, but if they have a condition that affects their gums, such as gum diseases like gingivitis, that needs treatment first. They will not be successful if the gums are not healthy.
- Substantial jawbone tissue: Patients also need to have a substantial amount of jawbone tissue for the implants to be anchored into for a successful procedure and proper functionality. If there is no substantial tissue to anchor the implants to, they will not have a firm enough grip. Fortunately, a bone graft is available as an option for patients who still wish to receive dental implants.
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